Rusin, Rockies blank Dodgers
LOS ANGELES -- Chris Rusin won a pitchers duel against Kenta Maeda on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium, helping the Colorado Rockies secure the series win with a 1-0 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Rusin (2-5) earned his first win since April 13 and his first this season as a starter, scattering three hits over six shutout innings. His seventh start was his best of the season, matching his season-best marks in innings pitched and earned runs while also walking only one batter and striking out three.
Jake McGee retired the side in order for his 15th save of the season. He's now converted on 15 of 17 save opportunities this season and is tied for 11th in the major leagues.
After giving up a leadoff single to Enrique Hernandez to start the game, Rusin then retired the next 10 batters in a row and got out of a bases-loaded jam in the fifth inning.
Maeda (5-4) struck out a career-high nine batters but ultimately took the loss, giving up one earned run on five hits over 6 2/3 innings. Maeda began the game by striking out the first four batters in a row and faced three above the minimum through six innings before pitching into trouble in the seventh.
With one out in the seventh, Gerardo Parra doubled off the center-field wall and Nick Hundley flew out to left field but hit the ball hard enough that it warranted a mound visit. Adam Libertore appeared to have been summoned from the bullpen, but Maeda's translator was waved off and he remained in the game. But Daniel Descalso then hit singled through the left-center gap to drive in Parra and Roberts finally removed Maeda for Libertore.
Chad Qualls, Boone Logan, Carlos Estevez and McGee made the run stand up by combining on three shutout innings.
NOTES: The Dodgers released OF Alex Guerrero on Wednesday, effectively making the utility man a free agent. He was designated for assignment 10 days ago. The Dodgers still will be responsible for his $7.5 million salary this year and next, should Guerrero sign with another team. He's owed a pro-rated portion of $5 million this season; his salary this year and next includes a $2.5 million signing bonus due on Jan. 15 each year. Guerrero injured his knee in spring training and had not appeared in a major league game this season. ... RHP Brandon McCarthy (Tommy John surgery) will begin a rehab assignment this weekend with Class-A Rancho Cucamonga, manager Dave Roberts said on Wednesday. McCarthy will pitch on Saturday at Lake Elsinore and is limited to three innings. He's on track to return after the All-Star break. ... Rockies SS Trevor Story and 1B Mark Reynolds were given the day off. INF Daniel Descalso filled in for Reynolds at first and batted seventh. Christhian Adames took Story's place at shortstop and batted eighth.